Farmers flock to bid for top Derry sheep

Ram Lamb class winner, Male Champion and Overall Supreme Champion, Munreary American Hustle, a young Ram Lamb from the Claudy flock of Patrick Brolly. Pictured with Patrick is judge, Matthew Burleigh from County Fermanagh.

Published:08:53Friday 02 October 2015

A well-shaped Ram Lamb, Munreary American Hustle from Claudy Beltex breeder, Patrick Brolly, earned his stripes at the Irish Beltex Sheep Breeders’ Club Show and Sale at Omagh Auction Mart last weekend taking the Supreme Champion title.

Sired by Skiddaw View Trapper, the Highland Show Champion in 2014 and out of Munreary Tea, he continued his winning ways having been named First Prize Ram Lamb at Omagh Show and First Prize Ram Lamb and overall Champion at Limavady Show earlier in the year.

He sold the Ram Lamb to Jonathan McKelvey from County Tyrone (outside of the ring) for the top price on the day of 1,000 guineas (£1,050).

“I was absolutely thrilled when I found out Munreary American Hustle was crowned supreme champion in Omagh,” said Patrick.

“All of the hard work is worth it when you get to experience competitions like the one in Omagh. It gives you the determination you need to keep on working hard,” added the Derry farmer.

Brolly’s Munreary pen also produced the Shearling Ram Champion, Munreary Wild Duck, which sold for 420 guineas (£441) at auction.

There was a very large turnout in this class which saw Beechmount Windstorm from R. Harron, County Fermanagh, finish in second place and PLJ Brolly’s Munreary What’s Up Doc in third spot.

Reserve Champion title went to H & E O’Neill’s Shearling Ewe, Lagyveagh Well Dressed which went on to make 800 guineas (£840) in the sales ring.